Worm Busters

The project "Worm Busters" is to prevent children from attracting worms, which can cause starvation and if not treated, death. On average of 35% of children in Guatemala die under the age of eight. The tablets cost 36 cents and they need two a year. It is shameful that a child's life is not even worth 72 cents. We will also be sharing tools on prevention. I am now raising money to purchase these tablets. We need $2,600 for this project and whatever money is left over will go towards the following year. Victor also plans to build a medical centre on his land in the jungle near Rio Dulce. There are 30 villages surrounding this land that have no medical facilities. The closest is a 10 hour walk. Any donation will be greatly appreciated. This projected will be documented to show you where your money is going. 100% of it!! We can no longer allow greed to destroy our world. YOU can make a difference.

Guatemala 2011

Arriving just in time for the sunset over the most inspiring Lake Atitlan	The face of the Mayan God created by the volcanoes surrounding this immense lake
		The Lake still magical, impressive as always.
Markets of St Pedro. Though the village has grown, the local markets at the centre of town above the hill still stayed the same as I remembered in 2000. Warm and kind people living as a real community should.
Time tends to stand still here. An immense clear water lake surrounded by volcanoes. Villages surround the lake maintaining their local traditions. Sadly with commercialism comes pollution, the cutting down of even more trees, increase in construction and an increase in the number of evangelist. They give with one hand and take twice as much with the other. In 2010, there were many floods and the lake raised by 4 metres. A green algae appeared which gave the locals a rash.
Locals
	Local Art

2012 Mayan New Year Ceremony

Year of the Jaguar

To my surprise they needed a permit to conduct their ceremony. Hard to believe considering this is the 21st century. This is their land and that they were here thousands of years before white man and yet they are still being discriminated against. The ceremony itself takes several days to prepare. There are seven women shamans who are in charge of the preparations. There is an altar where offerings of the first crops are made. The first corn, seeds, flowers etc. The ceremony starts with prayers as the offerings are placed on the ground in a circle. There are candles placed, representing the 4 colours of the human race. Red, Black, Yellow and White. Finally, the sacrifice of the turkey. Blood flowing over the altar on the ground. This is where all the offerings are placed in a circle with the four directions. The turkey is then cooked for all to share. The altar on the floor is lit followed by music and dancing. The party continues through the night as food is shared and corn alcohol is consumed.